Gateway Intros Two Notebook Lines at CES

Gateway's new multimedia-friendly MD series features a 15.6-inch screen and fashionable options, while the lightweight UC series packs a 16:9 13.3-inch screen.

Computer maker (and Acer subsidiary) Gateway has announced two new notebook computer lines at this week’s CES show in Las Vegas. The multimedia-friendly MD series offers a 16:9 15.6-inch display and HDMI 1.3 output, while the lightweight UC series still caters to the media set with a 13.3-inch 16:9 display, but still packs enough of a punch in the processing department to function as someone’s primary computer.

“These two new offerings are the result of Gateway’s focus on the needs of distinct mobile customers,” said Acer America senior product marketing manager Ray Sawall, in a statement. “These notebooks are incredibly different in terms of style and form factor, yet they both include best-in-class technology at incredible values.”

The MD series offers a 15.6-inch, 1,366 by 768 LCD display, along with illuminated multimedia controls that let give users immediate access to entertainment programs without having to fuss with applications. The systems feature an ambient light sensor that adjusts the display to match current lighting conditions, and the systems pack an HDMI 1.3 output and a 1.3 megapixel Webcam for video chat and communications needs. The MD series will be offered in a variety of configurations, including units with Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD (Athlon X2 or Turion X2) processors, up to 500 GB of storage, 4 GB of RAM, and a LabelFlash-savvy 8× dual layer DVD burner—prices will start at $649.99, and they’re available now from Gateway’s retail partners in black and burgundy cases. Gateway will offer the MD series with an option for AT Mobility Radeon HD 3650 graphics with 512 MB of video memory and DirectX 10 support.

The new UC series aims to combine a mainstream notebook’s performance with a slim-and-light form factor and a media-friendly feature set. The UC series offers a 13.3-inch 1,280 by 800-pixel display, integrated Wi-FI, and is built on either INtel’s Centrino or Centrino 2 technology: that means a Core Duo, Core 2 Duo, or Intel Pentium processor under the hood with Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics. The UC systems feature dedicated media controls, a Labelflash-savvy slot-loading DVD burner, a 1.3 megapixel Webcam, and HDMI output for connecting to an external display or HDTV. The UC series also features a moonstone casing and a round touchpad—and the whole thing weighs just 5.3 pounds. The UC series is available now at prices starting at $749.99; a configuration with a 2 GHz Core 2 Duo processor, 2 GB of RAM, and a 250 GB hard drive is priced at $799.99.